Hidden Cotswold Tour 8th July 2023
Sometimes you can tell the day will be good from the email correspondence. I loved the way that Christine signed off her emails with “Christine and the excited Canadians”
Despite the sudden heavy downpour at the station, it was clear from first meeting that we were going to have a good day.
Didley Squat Farm Shop
It was still pouring with rain as we turned into Didley Squat Farm Shop. The car park was filling up and the queue was lengthening.
But my hardy group of Canadians clambered out of the car for a photo-opportunity by the sign.
Established in 2020, Diddly Squat Farm Shop was the brainchild of Jeremy Clarkson after realising that potatoes did indeed grow well on his farm and he had accidentally produced 40 tonnes of them. From there, with his partner Lisa, he bought hives and began to produce and sell bee juice, along with apple juice and cow juice from a local dairy.
Chastleton House
Moving on we headed towards Chastleton House. On the way there were a few stops to take photos of some beautiful views across the Cotswolds.
Once at Chastleton we split in two groups. Christine, Maggie and Connor went to look at the garden whilst Shaun, Noreen and I looked at the front of the house and in the Church. Once we had re-grouped it was time to move on.
Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 as a statement of wealth and power by prosperous wool merchant, Walter Jones. Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family for nearly 400 years, Chastleton has remained a time capsule and hidden treasure-trove for generations.
Cotswold Lavender
Today’s request for lunch was to find somewhere for a picnic.
On our journey to Cotswold Lavender along a particularly beautiful narrow lane I came across the perfect place. Under cover from the beech trees, protected from the rain, we laid out a picnic rug and tucked into our picnics.
At Cotswold Lavender, we, cheekily, used their loos and then took photos of the lavender without going into the official area!
Lavender has been grown here for the last 20 years as it loves the freedraining limestone soils giving the highest quality essential oils. They now have over 35 different varieties of lavender covering more than 70 acres of the farm. Every year at the height of summer the lavender gives a stunning display of colour.
Broadway Tower
From Cotswold Lavender it was a short journey to Broadway Tower. I had planned this to be a walk for Maggie and Connor but the rain showers would have spolied the enjoyment.
For most of the day, Maggie had chosen to sit in th back seat. But, both Noreen and Christine were keen to take their turn to squeeze themselves in 
Built in 1799, Broadway Towere is a perfect example of an eighteenth century Gothic folly from which it is possible to survey an area which includes as many as thirteen counties.
It was built for Lady Coventry to see if she could see it from her home some distance away. She could, but never visited it!
Broadway
In Broadway, I let them out to wander up and down the high street on their own.
I think they all enjoyed the shops. One of Chrstine and Shaun’s Grandchildren now has a souvenir from the Cotswolds.
The Cotswold village of Broadway is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ and the ‘Show Village of England’ because of it’s sheer beauty and magnificence. The ‘broad way’ leads from the foot of the western Cotswolds escarpment with a wide grass-fringed street lined with ancient honey coloured limestone buildings dating back to the 16th century and earlier.
Chipping Campden
Driving into Chipping Campden I pulled over and all but Noreen clambered out to take some photos of the thatched cottages. Back in the car I suddenly became aware of time and it ticking away. So, we just drove slowly through this beautiful town and with a short loop past the Church.
Chipping Campden is one of the loveliest small towns in the Cotswolds and a gilded masterpiece of limestone and craftsmanship. The main street curves in a shallow arc lined with a succession of ancient houses each grafted to the next but each with its own distinctive embellishments.
We drove slowly through Upper Slaughter, a “Double-Thankful” Village. Stopping to take a photo of Upper Slaughter Manor through the gates.
Then again a slow drive through Lower Slaughter, the ‘tourist-light’ version of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The name of the village of Lower Slaughter stems from the Old English name for a wet land ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’ (Old English for muddy place) upon which it lies. This quaint village sits beside the little Eye stream and is known for its unspoilt limestone cottages in the traditional Cotswold style.
Route
I was a sorry to have to rush through the last few places as I would have love to have spent more time showing you places and even stopping for tea.
But, I really enjoyed my time with you all. I loved your enthusiasm, despite the rain and the small back seat. You made what I do so enjoyable.
I hope you all got some good tennis matches in and have a safe journey home.😊
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